[Numbers Guy]

This statute does not permit the extension of the constitutionally-mandated senate term. And, even if it could be argued that way, it would not be upheld.

Exactly. Federal law trumps state law. The term cannot be extended. New Jersey's governor can appoint someone for the REMAINDER of Torricelli's term, i.e. through January 3, 2003. No longer. Torricelli's term was 6 years, not 6 years plus whatever the governor of New Jersey wants to add to it . . .

[Polybius]

Exactly. Federal law trumps state law. The term cannot be extended. New Jersey's governor can appoint someone for the REMAINDER of Torricelli's term, i.e. through January 3, 2003. No longer. Torricelli's term was 6 years, not 6 years plus whatever the governor of New Jersey wants to add to it . . .

Which means that if the Democrats fight it out in a long court battle, after 3 January, New Jersey will have only one Senator?

Not bad.

Sort of like gaining half a game in baseball when your divisional opponent loses his game and our team has a travel day.